HBCU ORIGINAL
Howard University Cuts Ties with Sean “Puffy” Combs Amid Controversy!
In a significant move, Howard University has officially severed its ties with renowned music mogul Sean “Puffy” Combs. This decision follows recent allegations of misconduct against Combs, marking a notable shift in the relationship between the university and one of its most high-profile supporters.
Howard University announced its decision to revoke the honorary Doctor of Humanities degree it awarded to Combs in 2014. This decision was not taken lightly, considering Combs’ long-standing relationship with the university and his substantial contributions to its community. The university also decided to return a $1 million donation made by Combs in 2022, which was intended to support scholarships and various university initiatives.
“The Diddler”
Sean Combs, also known by his stage names Puff Daddy, P. Diddy, and Diddy, has been a significant figure in the music industry for decades. His connection to Howard University dates back to the late 1980s when he attended the university before leaving to pursue a career in music. Despite not completing his degree, Combs maintained a close relationship with Howard, often referring to it as the place where he “found himself” and laying the groundwork for his illustrious career.
The decision to cut ties comes in the wake of serious allegations against Combs. Several women have come forward with accusations of sexual misconduct, which have led to public scrutiny and legal action. Amid these allegations, security camera footage has surfaced showing Combs allegedly punching, kicking, and throwing objects at former artist and girlfriend Cassie. Combs has since issued a public apology, which was not well-received by Cassie’s attorney or fans. These allegations have not only tarnished Combs’ personal reputation but also posed a dilemma for institutions associated with him.
The Howard University’s Statement
In a statement, Howard University emphasized its commitment to creating a safe and respectful environment for its students and staff. The university stated, “Howard University holds its students, faculty, and community to the highest standards of ethical conduct. The allegations against Mr. Combs are serious and, as an institution dedicated to the pursuit of truth and justice, we must take decisive action.”
The statement continued, “We have a responsibility to our community to ensure that our values are upheld. Therefore, we have decided to revoke the honorary degree awarded to Mr. Combs and return his donation. This decision reflects our commitment to maintaining the integrity and safety of our academic environment.”
What the People Think
As expected on Beyoncé’s internet, many people have strong opinions on this topic and how Howard University has handled these claims. While many applaud the university for taking a stand against alleged misconduct, others have expressed disappointment, citing Combs’ contributions and support over the years. This decision underscores the complex nature of navigating allegations of misconduct involving prominent figures. The move by Howard University is likely to influence other institutions and organizations associated with Combs, prompting them to reassess their affiliations and the potential implications of maintaining such relationships.
Moving Forward
As Howard University distances itself from Sean “Puffy” Combs, it reinforces its commitment to ethical standards and the well-being of its community. The university’s decisive action highlights the importance of accountability and the need for institutions to align their values with their actions, even when it involves high-profile supporters.
This development serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges that institutions face in addressing allegations of misconduct and the necessity of making tough decisions to uphold their principles. Howard University’s decision to cut ties with Sean “Puffy” Combs marks a pivotal moment in its history, reflecting a broader societal shift towards accountability and ethical conduct in the face of serious allegations.
Events
Florida Beach Bowl on Hold: HBCU Division II Clash Paused in 2024 Amid Funding Challenges
One year after bursting onto the HBCU football scene as a potential long-term fixture, the Florida Beach Bowl — the anticipated matchup between the CIAA and SIAC, two historic HBCU Division II conferences — will not occur in 2024. Sources from both conferences confirmed the news to HBCU Gameday, citing funding challenges as the primary reason the bowl game has been temporarily shelved.
The inaugural Florida Beach Bowl took place last December at Fort Lauderdale’s DRV PNK Stadium. Fort Valley State from the SIAC defeated Johnson C. Smith from the CIAA with a 23-10 score. That game streamed on the HBCU Plus Platform, drew an impressive 720,000 viewers, signaling a strong interest in the game and a national audience eager for more HBCU football coverage.
The Florida Beach Bowl had been positioned to revive and expand the legacy of the Pioneer Bowl, the original postseason event for Division II HBCU teams. Established in 1997, the Pioneer Bowl allowed champions or top contenders from the CIAA and SIAC to square off, providing HBCU athletes with a rare bowl stage to showcase their talent, often overlooked by larger college football media coverage. While the game was typically held in the South, with several games taking place in Atlanta, it carried significant weight for HBCU football fans and players alike, celebrating the regional rivalries and athleticism that characterize HBCU sports.
Like its Division I counterpart, the Celebration Bowl — which since 2015 has served as a de facto national championship game for HBCU football at the FCS level — the Florida Beach Bowl aimed to provide the same level of national exposure to Division II HBCU programs. The Celebration Bowl has spotlighted the best of HBCU Division I football, drawing in fans from across the country and significantly elevating the profile of MEAC and SWAC champions in a nationally televised showdown. Similarly, the Florida Beach Bowl was designed to elevate Division II HBCU football, giving fans, athletes, and supporters an equivalent stage to experience the thrill and camaraderie of HBCU postseason competition.
The Pioneer Bowl created countless unforgettable moments, generating support and recognition for Division II HBCU football and helping players gain exposure to scouts, media, and a growing fan base. However, the game faced periodic financial hurdles, leading to intermittent cancellations until it ceased entirely after its 2012 matchup. The Florida Beach Bowl was viewed as the next chapter in this storied history, bringing a new generation of HBCU football to the forefront, with a commitment to both celebrating tradition and expanding the visibility of HBCU athletes nationwide.
While the cancellation of this year’s Florida Beach Bowl has left many disappointed, the vision for the event remains. Both the CIAA and SIAC have expressed continued interest in ensuring Division II HBCU teams have a championship-level platform, knowing that the passion and talent within HBCU football deserve recognition on a national scale.
For now, fans will have to wait as organizers seek solutions to make this game sustainable for the long term. The commitment to honoring the history and achievements of HBCU athletes remains, with hopes that future seasons will see the Florida Beach Bowl restored as a highlight of the HBCU football calendar — a celebration of athletic excellence and community legacy.
Campus
From Slavery to Scholarship: The Role of Food in the Birth of HBCUs and Cultural Resilience
The story of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) is one of resilience, creativity, and empowerment. Long before the first HBCU campuses were built, enslaved African Americans created a culture rooted in survival, community, and hope—a culture often centered around food. From plantation kitchens to family recipes handed down through generations, food was much more than nourishment. It was a lifeline, a way to connect with African heritage, and ultimately, a bridge to a future of education and self-determination.
When slavery ended, the desire for education and a better life ignited the formation of HBCUs, places where Black people could learn freely, come together, and build their futures. And food, as it turns out, played a major role in making that dream a reality.
Food as Resistance and Connection
In the kitchens and fields of plantations, enslaved people transformed food into a powerful act of resistance. Despite harsh conditions, they held onto African traditions by growing, cooking, and even adapting native foods into something uniquely their own. Ingredients like okra, rice, black-eyed peas, and yams weren’t just foods—they were pieces of home, representing a heritage they fought to keep alive.
Through shared meals and passed-down recipes, enslaved families built a sense of community, a reminder that they could find strength in each other, even in the worst of times. The resilience they showed in creating meals from scraps is a legacy that remains in Black cuisine today, where dishes like gumbo, collard greens, and sweet potato pie tell stories of survival, culture, and unity.
The First HBCUs: Feeding the Mind and the Body
When freedom finally came, the African American community knew that education was the key to building a brighter future. HBCUs were founded as places of learning, empowerment, and safety, where the next generation could prepare for careers and leadership. Food continued to play a vital role, as early HBCUs emphasized practical skills, including farming and cooking, to help students achieve independence.
At schools like Tuskegee University, founded in 1881, students learned agriculture, culinary skills, and home economics, alongside academics. These programs weren’t just about feeding students; they were about building self-sufficiency and passing down skills that would help entire communities. Many students at HBCUs learned not only how to grow food but also how to cook it in ways that honored their heritage and strengthened their community.
From Cooking Classes to Culinary Justice
Today, food remains central to the mission of HBCUs. Students learn about food science, nutrition, and agriculture to address issues like food deserts, where it’s hard for communities to access fresh, affordable food. Many HBCUs are also involved in “culinary justice”—a movement that honors the contributions of Black farmers, cooks, and foodways, while working toward food security and health equity.
This idea of “culinary justice” means ensuring that Black communities not only celebrate their culinary heritage but also have the resources to thrive. Whether it’s through starting community gardens, running food programs, or promoting local agriculture, HBCU students are keeping the legacy of self-sufficiency alive and using food to address challenges like chronic health conditions and access to nutritious food.
Why Food Matters to HBCUs (and to Us All)
The food we eat today has traveled a long journey, much like the story of HBCUs themselves. Every recipe passed down, every family meal shared, and every vegetable grown reminds us of the journey from survival to scholarship. For students at HBCUs, food is a powerful connection to history—a way to remember the resilience of those who came before, while building a healthier future for themselves and their communities.
As we celebrate the history and future of HBCUs, let’s remember the role of food as both a symbol of survival and a tool for success. Food has always been more than just something on a plate—it’s a story, a tradition, and a path forward. And like the HBCUs that continue to inspire generations, food remains a powerful link between the past, present, and future, nourishing not just bodies, but minds, communities, and dreams.
Campus
“Lincoln University Advances Forensic Science Education with $750,000 NSF Grant: A New Era in STEM Excellence”
Lincoln University is taking a transformative step that’s sure to excite alumni, students, and supporters alike: a second $750,000 grant from the National Science Foundation has just been awarded to the HBCU Undergraduate Center for Forensic Science! This remarkable funding not only boosts Lincoln’s capabilities with state-of-the-art forensic equipment but also reaffirms its role as a trailblazer in forensic science education among HBCUs.
With these upgrades, Lincoln’s forensic science labs will soon rival the nation’s leading forensic institutions, offering students unparalleled training and preparation for careers in a high-demand field. Dr. Tom Gluodenis, a celebrated professor at Lincoln, underscores this grant’s transformative power in “equipping students with cutting-edge tools and expertise to shape the future of forensic science.”
Here’s what this milestone brings to Lincoln University:
- Top-Tier Equipment: Lincoln’s facilities will be upgraded with advanced forensic technology, enhancing the learning environment and hands-on experiences for students.
- Educational Excellence: Lincoln’s strengthened leadership in forensic science will position students for success in competitive forensic roles, elevating the university’s reputation nationally.
- Guidance from Industry Leaders: An advisory board of forensic scientists and lab directors will support and shape the program, keeping Lincoln’s curriculum at the forefront of industry advancements.
- Outreach to Future Scientists: Programs will expand to inspire forensic science interest among high school and community college students, inviting a new generation into the field.
And there’s more to celebrate! On November 8th, Lincoln University will host a STEM Open House at the Ivory V. Nelson Center for the Sciences. This special event will spotlight Lincoln’s dynamic STEM programs, allowing guests to explore the new forensic science facilities, connect with faculty, and see firsthand the incredible opportunities awaiting current and future students.
Whether you’re an alum, a donor, or a prospective student, this grant is an invitation to be part of Lincoln’s next big chapter. Visit lincoln.edu/forensics for details on Lincoln’s programs and to reserve your spot at the Open House. Join us in celebrating this leap forward in diversity, education, and innovation in STEM.
HBCU ORIGINAL
2024 MEAC Cross Country Championships
Men’s Race
Men’s Race – 8K – 11:00 AM
- ESPN+
- LIVE RESULTS
- CHAMPIONSHIP MANUAL
- CHAMPIONSHIP SOUVENIR PROGRAM
- TOP-20 TIMES
- WEEKLY HONORS
- MEAC RECORDS
- CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY
- 2023 MEAC CHAMPIONSHIP RECAP
- MEDIA CREDENTIAL REQUEST FORM
Women’s Race
Women’s Race – 5K – 12:00 PM
- ESPN+
- LIVE RESULTS
- CHAMPIONSHIP MANUAL
- CHAMPIONSHIP SOUVENIR PROGRAM
- TOP-20 TIMES
- WEEKLY HONORS
- MEAC RECORDS
- CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY
- 2023 MEAC CHAMPIONSHIP RECAP
- MEDIA CREDENTIAL REQUEST FORM
Directions to the DSU Outreach & Research Center – home of the DSU Cross Country Team – from Delaware State University
884 Smyrna-Leipsic Road
Smyrna, DE 19977
- Turn left out of the main entrance of Delaware State University.
- Travel approximately 8 miles north on US Route 13.
- Turn right onto Rt 12/Smyrna Leipsic Rd (opposite direction of the Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill).
- Destination will be on your right after you cross Route 1.
Events
North Carolina Central University (NCCU) EAGLES SOAR IN DOMINANT SHUTOUT VICTORY
Oct. 12, 2024 — Durham, N.C.
In a complete showcase of offensive firepower and defensive prowess, North Carolina Central University (NCCU) shut out Virginia-Lynchburg 68-0 on Saturday at O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium, capping off their final non-conference game of the season in emphatic fashion.
NCCU wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, lighting up the first quarter with 33 points. Quarterback Walker Harris opened the floodgates, connecting with Joaquin Davis on a 24-yard touchdown pass. Though the extra point was blocked, the Eagles quickly capitalized again, as Kamari Houze recovered a loose ball in the end zone following a mishandled kickoff by Virginia-Lynchburg. Astonishingly, 13 points were on the board with less than a second ticking off the game clock.
The Eagles’ offense remained relentless. Running back Christian Mosley punched in his third rushing touchdown of the season, extending the lead to 20-0. Wide receiver Mehki Wall followed suit with a 9-yard touchdown reception from Harris, capping a quarter in which NCCU scored on every possession.
By halftime, the Eagles were up 41-0, following scores from J’Mari Taylor and freshman Aleni Mageo, who notched his first career touchdown. The second half saw no letup. Freshman QB Joshua Jones delivered a 15-yard strike to Sterling Greene, before running back Quest Powell closed the scoring with a 1-yard rush, sealing the commanding 68-0 victory.
NCCU’s ground game dominated, amassing 326 rushing yards led by Zion Dobson’s 98-yard performance on 12 carries. Defensively, the Eagles suffocated Virginia-Lynchburg, holding them to -42 rushing yards and allowing just 117 passing yards. The Dragons failed to convert a single third down (0-for-12) and were shut out of the red zone entirely.
With the win, head coach Trei Oliver improved his overall record to 34-20 and extended NCCU’s dominance at home, winning 13 of their last 14 games at O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium.
Notable Stats:
- Walker Harris: 3 passing touchdowns, extending his streak of two or more TDs in four consecutive games.
- J’Mari Taylor: A rushing touchdown in seven straight games, tallying two scores on the day.
- Zion Dobson: Led all rushers with 98 yards and a touchdown.
- Defense: Held Virginia-Lynchburg to -42 yards rushing; Matthew Leavelle led the defense with 6 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and 3.5 tackles for loss.
NCCU heads into their bye week before resuming conference play, riding the momentum of one of their most dominant performances of the season.
For more on NCCU Athletics, visit NCCUEaglePride.com.
-
Campus9 months ago
Discovering Heritage and Excellence: A Journey through Delaware State University’s Iconic Campus
-
Campus9 months ago
Embracing Tradition and Innovation: A Tour of Lincoln University’s Historic Campus
-
Campus8 months ago
A Journey through Morgan State University’s Storied Campus
-
HBCU ORIGINAL8 months ago
Exploring Excellence: A Journey Through Bowie State University’s Historic Campus
-
Campus8 months ago
A Day in the Life: Exploring Campus Culture at HBCUs
-
Campus8 months ago
Coppin State University’s Historic Campus
-
Events8 months ago
Biden campaign working to turn its HBCU support into electoral support
-
Alumni Impact8 months ago
Notable Alumni from Historical Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)